Building Project

The referendum project includes updates to heating, ventilation, and electrical systems; improvements to accessibility and safety; and updated learning environments with the addition of classroom, secure entrance and community fitness center. This plan includes renovations that will improve building organization by creating grade-level neighborhoods, ensuring that all grade levels are grouped in the same area. Modification to the parking area will address traffic concerns by expanding parking and separating bus traffic from vehicles. Additionally, drainage issues will be addressed through grading and landscaping.

In 2021, the South Shore School District formed a Long-Range Planning Committee to evaluate the district’s current and future needs. One of the district's primary goals is to address space requirements by 2026. The school buildings - constructed in 1977 and 1990 - have only undergone renovation once in the last 48 years. Following professional assessments and extensive community input, it became clear that critical updates are needed to maintain and improve the facilities. The district is committed to addressing the most urgent needs based on feedback from a Facilities Focus Group, staff, students and over 300 community members who participated in a community-wide survey.

The Facilities Focus Group consisted of over 30 community stakeholders who dedicated time to understand the facility needs and evaluate possible solutions for the district. Over the course of four meetings, the group reviewed building assessments, focusing on critical issues such as outdated and failing mechanical systems, safety concerns, and the need for modern learning spaces. Key priorities identified included upgrading the heating, ventilation, and electrical systems; addressing ADA compliance and safety; and creating flexible classroom environments. The Facilities Focus Group also emphasized the importance of the school as a community hub, proposing spaces like a community fitness center and expanded areas for collaboration and engagement.

A survey sent to the community received 306 total - a response rate of 25.6% which is a strong response (15-17% is typical).

76% of parents and staff were in favor of $19.5 million referendum to fund facility improvements, and 57% of non-parents/non-staff were also supportive. Key priorities identified included upgrading the heating, ventilation, and electrical systems; addressing ADA compliance; and safety and security enhancements. Questions about a performing arts center and renovating the track received slightly less than 50% support overall so these were not included in the final project. 

Apart from the building project, respondents were asked to rate the District in the following areas: delivering a high-quality education, keeping the public informed, managing funds appropriately, and building pride in the community. Our community pride and support achieved the highest rating ever seen by School Perceptions, the company that organized the survey effort. All other areas were in the 90th percentile among districts they've worked with. ​​​​​​​

The community-wide survey asked residents for feedback on projects totaling $23.5 million. After analyzing survey results and having discussions with the Facilities Focus Group and staff, the district reduced the project scope and budget to focus on the most urgent needs. This reduced the referendum amount by 35%, bringing it to $14.5 million. This reduction was achieved through the removal of certain project elements including childcare facilities, additional classrooms, and a scaled-down building addition. It also reflects the $3 million contribution from the District's fund balance, which reduced the need for borrowing.

Yes, the new fitness center will have a secure exterior entrance, allowing community members to access the facility during designated times, for a fee. This setup ensures both student safety and community access, promoting health and wellness throughout the district.

The estimated school property tax increase for a home with a fair market value of $100,000 is approximately $196 per year ($16.33 per month). For a $200,000 home, the increase is approximately $392 per year ($32.67 per month).

"Fund balance" is the amount of reserve, or savings, that the district has accumulated over many years of budget surpluses (when annual revenues exceed expenses). It is important for a school district to build and maintain an adequate fund balance. Schools receive their operating revenues in large inflows at specific intervals throughout the year. School expenses are paid evenly throughout the year. An adequate fund balance allows a district to manage the mismatch in timing. Fund balance is also a safeguard against unforeseen changes in revenues or expenses.  A healthy fund balance should represent at least 25% of annual expenses. The district has been able to build its fund balance over time to $6.4 million representing over 100% of expenses.

The school district intends to invest $3 million of its general fund balance into the project. This investment will reduce the total amount borrowed and, consequently, reduce burden of the referendum for taxpayers while still maintaining a fund balance above 50% of expenses.

If your property is being reassessed, it means that the local assessor is adjusting the assessed values of the properties in your municipality to reflect current market conditions. The process is intended to bring the assessment in-line with the Fair Market or Equalized value of your property. This process is necessary to ensure fair distribution of tax burden. 

Think of the school district’s tax revenue as a pie. The size of the pie stays the same. When properties are reassessed, the size of each slice changes based on the new property values. If your property value increases more than others in the district, your slice of the pie gets bigger, and you'll pay more in taxes. If your property value increases less or decreases, your slice may shrink, meaning you could pay less. The total pie—the amount the district collects—doesn’t change, but your reassessment affects the size of your slice.

The design process will be highly collaborative, involving discussions with all stakeholders. The design phase is expected to last around 9 months prior to construction, with several iterations of planning discussions to refine the design. The process will also include input from staff, students, and the community to ensure the project aligns with the needs and expectations of all users. Building tours of similar facilities will help inform design choices, and detailed programming will be conducted for each individual space. To help visualize the spaces, renderings and 3D models will be created during the design phase.

Design has been underway for several months involving a highly collaborative process with all stakeholders including district staff and students, an architectural firm, and the general contractor. Construction will be phased over 17 months starting in June 2026 with completion anticipated by the end of summer 2027. We have worked with our design and construction partners to strategically phase construction in a way that minimizes disruption and maintains our primary focus of educating students. For the most up-to-date schedule see the Project Plan tab at the top of the page. 

For more information, please call the District Office at 715-774-3500, or email Dani Mikula, District Superintendent, at dmikula@sshore.k12.wi.us.

"Fair market value" is the estimated value of a specific property if it were sold on the market. Property assessments determine fair market value. They are determined by the individual local municipality and will vary by municipality.

"Equalized value" in a school district is determined by the state and represents the combined total value of all taxable property within the district. Equalized value is used for fair tax distribution to ensure that all property owners, regardless of location, are taxed equitably based on the actual value of their property. This approach helps create a more consistent and fair tax system across the district or region. In Wisconsin, schools are required by law to use fair market value, which is clearly indicated on your tax bill.